Caregiving can be as physically and emotionally demanding as it is rewarding. For both your sake and the sake of the friend or family member you’re providing for, you need to avoid burnout. According to the “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020” report published by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), more than a third of family caregivers believe their duties are highly stressful emotionally. On top of that, nearly 1 in 5 reports a high level of physical strain. As much as you feel a responsibility to care for your loved one, you also have a responsibility to take care of your own health and well-being.
This is what respite care is all about. Providing temporary relief for a primary caregiver so that they can attend to their own needs, whether that is taking time to run errands or simply having a couple hours to relax. By giving yourself a chance to take a breath and recharge your batteries, you’re able to better provide for the needs of the person in your care.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, but it can benefit both the caregiver and the loved one in their care, providing the latter with perhaps a welcome change from their routine. Not all types of respite care have to be formal. It can be as simple as a friend or family member lending a helping hand for a few hours. But there are professional in- and out-of-home respite care services that can provide assistance if needed.
In-home services can include:
- Companionship for social engagements and supervised activities
- Housekeeping services for daily tasks such as laundry and meal prep
- Personal care services (e.g. bathing, dressing and exercising)
- Skilled care services for help with medications and other medical needs
Outside of the home, adult day centers can provide regular programming in a safe environment where your loved one will have an opportunity to engage with others. As their name suggests, adult day centers typically operate during standard business hours during the week.
Senior living communities in your area might be open for overnight stays, with access to skilled care. The person in your care obviously does not have to live there, but could spend a couple days a month under their care, which would likely also include access to variety of services and amenities.
What Health Conditions are Supported by Respite Care?
Depending on their condition, you may be apprehensive about leaving your loved one alone or concerned as to whether or not a respite care provider can sufficiently support their health needs. Typically, respite care includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating. But if your loved one requires a greater level of care beyond everyday tasks, there are also licensed professionals who can help administer medications, perform injections, maintain catheters and provide medical treatment for a wound or injury.
Can You Afford Respite Care?
How much does respite care cost? It depends on the type of respite care, and within each type of care, rates are going to vary from one provider to another. For example, in-home respite care providers typically charge hourly rates, but there is no standard rate across the board. If you opt for an adult center or a residential care facility, the cost may be a flat fee per day. You’ll need to collect the specific costs from each of the providers you are considering.
If you’re not sure you can afford respite care as an out-of-pocket expense, you can explore government assistance programs that are available under certain circumstances:
- Veterans Benefits. Veterans and survivors receiving a VA pension might be eligible for respite care assistance through the Aid and Attendance benefit. The VA also offers up to 30 days of residential respite care at certain locations.
- Medicaid. While Medicaid general benefits do not cover respite care, some states have waiver programs available that can help cover the cost.
- Medicare. Medicare does not cover the cost of respite care, however, there is available coverage when a respite stay is used in conjunction with hospice care.
Find Relief in the Respite Care Services at Friendship Village of Bloomington
If you are in search of respite, look no further than Friendship Village of Bloomington. As our name suggests, our community is a warm and welcoming environment where residents are friends and neighbors who greet each other with open arms. Even under our respite care, we would treat your loved one as if they were a full-time resident.
As part of our respite care program, your friend or family member would have the opportunity to explore all of the amenities that make our campus so unique, in addition to having access to our award-winning health services ” including our all-new assisted living and memory care residences ” and the delicious dining options that delight our residents.
If you would like to learn more about our respite care services and how we might be able to support you and your loved one, we encourage you to get in touch with our team.
